Reproductive Immunology: Open Access

Abstract

Mast cells are often categorized as the main actors of allergy disorders, however, their involvement in innate and adaptive immunity is being increasingly recognized. According to their location, mast cells exhibit tissue-specific phenotypes and functions. Uterine mast cells are well documented as key regulators of implantation, placentation, and fetal growth throughout pregnancy, but the role of placental mast cells remains obscure. The present review provides an overview of current knowledge of placental mast cells in terms of location physiology and functions in normal and complicated pregnancy.